Farmers protest: Suspension of internet services extended in parts of Punjab till February 24

As per the orders of the Union Home Ministry, the suspension of internet services has been extended till February 24 in some parts of Punjab, including Patiala, Sangrur and Fatehgarh Sahib.

Earlier, internet services were suspended from February 12 to 16 due to the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march by farmers.

Internet services under the jurisdiction of Shambhu, Julkan, Passian, Patran, Shatrana, Samana, Ghanaur, Devigarh and Balbhera police stations in Patiala will remain suspended as per the ministry’s February 16 order; Lallu Police in Mohali Bureau; Sangat Police Station, Bathinda; Killianwali Police Station, Muktsar; Sadurgarh and Boha Police Station, Mansa; Khanauri, Moonak, Lehra, Sunam and Chajli Police Station, Sangrur ; and areas under Fatehgarh Sahib police station.

The Center has suspended internet services in these areas of Punjab, using its special powers under the Telegraph Act, 1885.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, vide Rule 2(1) of Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules 2017 and in the interest of public safety” To avoid public emergencies, if necessary and appropriate, we order the temporary suspension of Internet services in the following areas from 00:00 on February 17, 2024 to 23:59 on February 24, 2024.”

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised the issue of suspension of internet services in certain areas at a meeting of three federal ministers and farmer leaders in Chandigarh on February 15.

The Haryana government has suspended mobile internet services and bulk SMS services in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaital, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement to put pressure on the Center over their demands, which include minimum support price for crops and loan waiver laws.

Farmers in Punjab started their ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on Tuesday but were stopped by security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana.

The protesting farmers have been camping at the border point since then.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)